Highland City, Polk County

GATORS DOCKSIDE HIGHLAND CITY

5147 US 98 S, Highland City, FL 33812

FoodSeating
Latest violations
4
4 Basic
Mar 13, 2026
City
Highland City
County
Polk
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
16

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

Mar 13, 2026

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Basic: 4Total: 4

06-09-1

Detail 24440326

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Salmon and Red snapper. The fish was removed from the packaging thaw. Corrective Action Taken

24-08-4

Detail 24440328

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans on the shelf in the dry storage area.

36-62-4

Detail 24440327

Basic - Light not functioning. Hood system.

14-37-4

Detail 24440329

Basic - Non-stick coating peeling/chipping off of pans/utensils. Interior of the ice machine. Repeat Violation

Nov 5, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Basic: 5Total: 6

09-01-4

Detail 24174303

High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Employee arranged mozzarella cheese sticks and boneless chicken on a plate with her bare hands. Manager explained to her to put a glove on her hand.

13-03-4

Detail 24174306

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food on the cook line.

24-08-4

Detail 24174302

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans on the shelf in the dry storage area.

36-11-4

Detail 24174305

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Kitchen.

10-17-4

Detail 24174307

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives between reach in cooler and prep table across from the cook line.

14-37-4

Detail 24174304

Basic - Non-stick coating peeling/chipping off of interior of the ice machine.

Jan 2, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 3Total: 4

22-02-4

Detail 23448829

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade at the end of the prep table entering the dry storage/ walk in cooler area. The can opener was removed to be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

24-08-4

Detail 23448828

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans on the shelf in the dry storage area.

08B-38-4

Detail 23448827

Basic - Food stored on floor. A case of ribs on the floor inside the walk in freezer the ribs was removed from off the floor. Corrected On-Site

29-49-6

Detail 23448830

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Across from the flat grill in the kitchen.

Aug 21, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 6Total: 7

22-02-4

Detail 23086136

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soiled can opener blade on the can opener at the end of 2 compartment sink next to the hand was sink. Slicer blade on the table next to the ice machine. Both items was removed to the dishwasher area to be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

22-20-5

Detail 23086138

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. Near the ice chute. Repeat Violation

16-21-4

Detail 23086133

Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top of the dishwasher

12B-12-5

Detail 23086137

Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Cup of 7/11 coffee on the cutting board on the flip top reach in cooler across from the grill. The beverage was discarded. Repeat Violation

36-62-4

Detail 23086134

Basic - Light not functioning. 7nder hood system above the grill. Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 23086135

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on the single door reach in cooler in the bar area.

21-09-4

Detail 23086139

Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. On the small white cutting board next to the single door reach in freezer across from the cook line. The towel was removed. Corrected On-Site

Nov 30, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 9Total: 10

22-02-4

Detail 22476139

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade is soiled. Removed to the dishwasher area to be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Corrective Action Taken

22-20-5

Detail 22476134

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. Near the ice chute.

14-01-5

Detail 22476137

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup used to scoop ice. The manager informed the employee to use the ice scoop. Corrective Action Taken

12B-12-5

Detail 22476143

Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Beverage on the expo line and a bottled water in the kitchen next to sleeves of bread across from the cook line. Both beverages was discarded. Corrected On-Site

40-06-5

Detail 22476140

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Black jacket and cell phone and keys on the slicer. The items was removed and the slicer was washed, rinsed and sanitized. Corrective Action Taken

24-08-4

Detail 22476135

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans on the shelf in the dry storage area next to the wall in freezer.

08B-38-4

Detail 22476142

Basic - Food stored on floor. A case of Pepsi zero stored on the floor next to the beverage syrup rack by the walk in cooler. Syrup was removed from off the floor. Corrected On-Site

22-08-4

Detail 22476141

Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. On shelf above the expo line.

36-62-4

Detail 22476136

Basic - Light not functioning. Under the hood system above the grill section. Floor warped in the kitchen on the cook line.

16-46-4

Detail 22476138

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Pans on the shelf in the dry storage area.

Jul 17, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Basic: 1Total: 1

36-11-4

Detail 22126645

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed damaged flooring throughout kitchen Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-17: Time Extended

Jul 13, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 2Basic: 5Total: 7

01B-13-4

Detail 22121053

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed pans of raw chicken, gator and shrimp stored in reach in cooler on cook line under dripping condensation due to ice buildup. Manager voluntarily discarded product Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Warning

03A-02-5

Detail 22121055

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook line pepsi cooler: sauerkraut (50F - Cold Holding); hot dog (50F - Cold Holding); Swiss (48F - Cold Holding) Manager moved to freezer, and is having hvac team looking at cooler as they are currently on site Corrective Action Taken Warning

22-20-5

Detail 22121058

Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine Warning

24-08-4

Detail 22121057

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting 1/3 pans in dry storage Warning

36-11-4

Detail 22121052

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed damaged flooring throughout kitchen Warning

08B-52-4

Detail 22121056

Basic - Food stored under dripping water from ice build up in reach in cooler on cook line. Observed pans of raw chicken, gator, and shrimp. Repeat Violation Warning

24-06-4

Detail 22121054

Basic - Observed clean pans stored-on dirty rack in storage Warning

Jan 30, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 1Basic: 3Total: 6

01B-13-4

Detail 21739163

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 1/3 pan of alligator stored under dripping water

03A-02-5

Detail 21739162

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Server expo line pico de gallo (60F - Cold Holding). Manager discarded Corrected On-Site

11-27-4

Detail 21739164

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

36-22-4

Detail 21739159

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water.

08B-52-4

Detail 21739160

Basic - Food stored under dripping water in reach in cooler from iced up condenser. 1/3 pan of alligator. Stop sale issued

29-19-4

Detail 21739161

Basic - Standing water in floor drain at bar

Jul 27, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Jul 25, 2022

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Basic: 2Total: 3

35A-02-6

Detail 21216198

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 5 live flies in kitchen on equipment. Manager was able to eradicate 4 and cleaned and sanitized area Observed 1 live fly on plate. Manager put plate in dish to be cleaned and flipped rest of plates to protect. Observed 2 live flies on ceiling tiles in kitchen Observed 3 live flies in dish area. Manager eradicated 2 at the dish pit and cleaned and sanitized area. Observed 2 live flies on wall by dish area. Manager eradicated and cleaned and sanitized area Observed 1 live fly at the front bar. Manager eradicated and cleaned and sanitized area. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Warning

36-34-5

Detail 21216196

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles dusty in Kitchen area Warning

23-03-4

Detail 21216197

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed food and grease debris under expo window and under lids of make line units. Warning

May 26, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency Order Callback Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

May 25, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency order recommended

High Priority: 3Basic: 1Total: 4

01B-01-4

Detail 21108349

High Priority - Dented cans present. See stop sale. Warning

35A-02-6

Detail 21108350

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 2 live flys in prep area in kitchen. Warning

35A-04-4

Detail 21108352

High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 45 rodent droppings in dry storage under food storage shelving. Observed 22 rodent droppings on floor in bar area Observed 10 rodent droppings in cabinets Repeat Violation Warning

08B-20-4

Detail 21108351

Basic - Damaged food not properly segregated. Dented cans of crushed tomatoes on shelf next to othercans Warning

Mar 26, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency Order Callback Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Mar 26, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency Order Callback Not Complied

High Priority: 1Total: 1

35A-04-4

Detail 20959676

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 24 rodent droppings behind beer glass chiller at bar area by entrance to kitchen Approximately 50 rodent droppings under beer tap cabinet at bar Approximately 20 rodent droppings in back left corner of bar. Approximately 100 rodent droppings in front left corner of bar Approximately 10 rodent droppings in front right corner of bar Approximately 25 on chemical container in dish pit Approximately 115 under shelving in dry storage Warning - From follow-up inspection 2022-03-26: Observed 10 droppings in storage cabinet. Manager removed and cleaned and sanitized area Observed 15 droppings in cabinets. Manager stared cleaning out all cabinets in server area Time Extended

Mar 25, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency order recommended

High Priority: 2Basic: 4Total: 6

35A-04-4

Detail 20959234

High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 24 rodent droppings behind beer glass chiller at bar area by entrance to kitchen Approximately 50 rodent droppings under beer tap cabinet at bar Approximately 20 rodent droppings in back left corner of bar. Approximately 100 rodent droppings in front left corner of bar Approximately 10 rodent droppings in front right corner of bar Approximately 25 on chemical container in dish pit Approximately 115 under shelving in dry storage Warning

35A-18-4

Detail 20959235

High Priority - Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. By dry storage door Warning

35A-06-4

Detail 20959239

Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed 1 dead rodent on glue trap in dry storage Warning

36-32-5

Detail 20959236

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed several holes on ceiling tiles throughout kitchen Warning

23-03-4

Detail 20959238

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed food debris behind equipment in kitchen Warning

29-19-4

Detail 20959237

Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. At front bar Warning

Sep 22, 2021

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 3Basic: 8Total: 13

01B-01-4

Detail 20529599

High Priority - Dented and rusted cans present. See stop sale. Kidney beans, raspberry jam, artichoke hearts, crushed tomatoes mandarin oranges. Dented and severely rusted. Manager separated cans and educated management Corrective Action Taken

12A-14-4

Detail 20529600

High Priority - Employee coughed then engaged in food preparation, without washing hands. Employee prepping house dressing coughed into arm and then continued making dressing. Had manager stop employee and had them wash hands and change gloves Corrective Action Taken

31A-09-4

Detail 20529590

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink on cook line blocked.

31A-11-4

Detail 20529594

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed tea lids and lemons in server sink. Manager removed Corrected On-Site

41-17-4

Detail 20529601

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Bottle of degreaser at mop sink not labeled. Manager discarded. Corrected On-Site

24-08-4

Detail 20529591

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed pans in dry storage and cups in server station woth wet nesting

14-10-4

Detail 20529592

Basic - Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Gasket torn on reach in freezer on cook line

14-38-4

Detail 20529597

Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Multiple containers broken on coolklune and coolers Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 20529596

Basic - Food stored on floor. Milk and lemons in walk in cooler. Manager got off of floor Corrected On-Site

23-03-4

Detail 20529595

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler door frame and gasket soiled

16-46-4

Detail 20529598

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed multiple and in dry storage with labels on them

08B-17-4

Detail 20529593

Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored over ready-to-eat food. Lettuce over cheese in walk in cooler

02D-01-5

Detail 20529589

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bags of sugar in walk in cooler